Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: The Prothrombin-G20210A Mutation and Combined Oral Contraceptives

Abstract The risk of venous thromboembolism in oral contraceptive pill users becomes dramatically increased in patients with inherited thrombophilias. The often undiscovered prothrombotic genetic conditions pose a potentially deadly threat to its generally young demographic. When thrombosis is discovered in oral contraceptive pill users with a strong family history of related events, it becomes essential to screen for prothrombotic genetic conditions and further mitigate any associated modifiable risk factors. Here we present a case of pulmonary embolism requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 30-year-old female found to have a Prothrombin G20210A on oral contraceptive pills. The emergent management of the critical case, as well as the subsequent evaluation for prothrombotic conditions and the role of potential screening is discussed.